Nodland Cellars 2009 Avant-guard Carmenere, Walla Walla Valley, $28

Tim Nodland runs this small, successful winery in Spokane, and he is on to something with this superb Carménère. The rare red Bordeaux variety is enjoying a renaissance of sorts in the Walla Walla Valley, where it has been flourishing for a decade. The grapes for this wine come from highly regarded Seven Hills Vineyard on the Oregon side of the valley. It opens with aromas of cherry, thyme, crushed walnut and black pepper. On the palate, it offers textured flavors of red currant, dark cherry and black plum. The intensity of the flavors and structure of this wine are impressive. Looking to explore this variety for the first time? Look no further.